Today I am choosing to show a few more winter scenes.

Jake and I saw this scene in a small hamlet west of Morden.

The sun was fairly low in the sky,that time of day when all looks golden.

The golden light of sunset made this old barn look lovely.

Living on the prairies we have a lot of wind,

this day was no exception. Another shot,this time I raised the lens to see more of the area.

The last scene was taken through our bedroom window.

One morning as I was having my devotions,I looked up

and this was the picture I saw.

I just loved the way the sun was illuminating the evergreens.

I deliberately took the picture to show just how I saw it,window casing and roof included.

God's mighty hand can be felt every minute,

For there is nothing on earth that God isn't in it.

All pictures were taken by Ruth

My Weekly Bird ABC

Starting today I will try to post some bird pictures

in alphabetical order.

Today it is -A

American Coot

We usually have lots of these around in spring and summer. American Goldfinch The bright yellow of these birds is always a welcome sight at the feeders. American Redstart We see these every year,but because of their constant movement it is not easy to get good photos of them. American Crow Always present and mostly unwanted. I do need to remind myself that even the Crow is one of God's creations.

Pictures 1+2 are done by Ruth, 2+3 are by Jake Great are the works of the Lord. Psalm 111:2

Birds and Blossoms

Today is a bright sunny day in my world,but,

it is also windy and cold.

To add to that I am nursing a head cold and feel yucky.

I could use some warm,bright memories to cheer the day.

All these pictures are taken from Jake's slide scans.

So here for your enjoyment are a few of my favorites.

Daisies and Painted Daisies Goldenrod

A Sunflower seen in fields every year.

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Baltimore Oriole

American Goldfinch on thistles

Tulips in our garden

Great are the works of the Lord. Psalm 111:2

Winter Birds

Yesterday Jake and I were invited to the home of some

of our friends,to do bird photography.

Upon arriving at their home we were ushered into a cozy room,

complete with a wood burning stove.Comfy!

This room was designed for bird watching.

The room had large windows on three sides and feeders

hung close to most windows.

A backdrop of evergreens created the perfect setting for photography.

Here are a few of the pictures taken in this lovely setting.

The first five were done by Jake and the last two by Ruth

The main feeder is unique,making use of an old bowl. Some old willow chairs were readily used by the birds for a waiting area.

A beautiful American Goldfinch,posing just right.

This Common Redpoll was waiting his turn at the seeds.

Always a good photo subject,the Black-capped Chickadee.

The only thing between me and the Goldfinch is a pane of glass.

Another Chickadee willing to pose for me.

Great are the works of the Lord. Pslam:111:2

A New Sighting

I am pretty excited today.I have just added another

'lifer' on my bird list.

Jake and I went out in search of Eurasian Collared Doves.

We saw two on a yard not too many miles from our place. I was happy to be able to get some decent photos of these birds.

They are not common here,but at least five have been seen on this one yard.

It was a thrill to be able to see these beautiful birds.

Great are the works of the Lord. Psalm 111:2

Come Fly With Us

Today I am taking you on a scenic ride over our area.

O.K. it's not me on this thing,let me explain.

Several years ago Jake had the opportunity to take a ride with

a power chute.This is a large parachute with an engine

and two seats attached to it.I am told they are very safe

but will choose to let others ride.

The above picture is of our golf course in Morden.

This is a scenic area and draws many golfers each year. Here we see a mobile home park,called Dunsten Village.

As you can see this flight was taken in fall.

This shows the area west of our lake.

Jake and I like to go to this area often and have many good photo opportunities here.

An overhead view of Lake Minniwasta.

This lake supplies the town with all it's water.

It also has a beach and campground.

Here we see a large feedlot just north of Morden.

Lots of steaks on the hoof.

A quick flight over the highway between two towns,Morden and Winkler.

Another view of Morden,the area to the right with all the trees

is Morden's Agriculture Research Station ,known for

developing several hardy roses.

The Parkland series of roses were developed here.

I hope you enjoyed this short tour around the area.

Morden is not very large,but it is a beautiful place to live,

lots of trees and friendly people.

Brr It's Cold

Today is another COLD day in Manitoba.

The temperatures dropped down to -28C or -18F

Overnight the weather man is predicting -45C or -49F windchill.

That is just to cold for me,hopefully schools are cancelled for tomorrow.

The above picture was taken south of our little town.

This wagon has seen better days,yet still makes a good picture.

The Blue Jays always show up when there are peanuts available. This good looking fellow is waiting his turn,or perhaps waiting for me to move away from the window. An American Robin has been hanging around all winter. I wonder if he is second guessing himself by now. On Saturday he had three of his relatives with him, guess there is safety in numbers. Life cannot be easy for these birds in temperatures like ours. Great are the works of the Lord. Psalm 111:2 All photos above taken by Ruth

Ice Sculptures

I have no pictures to show today,but I would encourage you to check out some creative photoraphy on my son,s site.here is the link: http://www.personalexpressionsphotography.blogspot.com/ Steve spent some time at our house today ,using a macro lens to shoot these shots. Hope you enjoy them. Great are the works of the Lord. Pslam 111:2

More Summer Memories from Jake's Camera

I will not try to identify these insects.

Jake and I hope these pictures will stir pleasant memories in your heart.

Great are the works of the Lord. Psalm 111:2

Treasures of Winter

The first three photos by Ruth

Last one by Jake.

The treasures of the crystal snows, And all the wonders nature shows,

Speak of a mighty Maker's hand,

That all in love and wisdom planned.

by:Helen Steiner Rice I love the writings of Helen Steiner Rice and hope you enjoy them as well

The ice swirl picture has been colored with Photoshop Elements.

Great are the works of the Lord.Psalm 111:2

Memories of Summer

It is a cold and blustery day in Manitoba

and I thought it might be time for some 'warm' memories.A close-up of an Iris beard Raindrop on a Lily

Raindrops on a Stargazer Lily

The flower of a Canada Thistle.

These plants are hated by the farmers,but I think they are pretty.

One of my favorite summertime flowers,

a Wild Rose.

They have such a delicate beauty.

Are you feeling a little warmer?

I know that these flowers cheered my heart.

Great are the works of the Lord.Psalm 111:2

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,KAI

This is a special day in our lives. The above two pictures were taken hours after Kai's birth on January 3,2006. At this point Jake and I had become first time grandparents. What an awesome feeling this was and still is. The last two pictures are now three years later, and grandparenthood is only getting better. Grandma and Grandpa love you Kai.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

This is a sunrise which to me signifies the start of a New Year.

How will I chose to use the days which are given to me?

In Hebrews 13:8 the Bible says,

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today ,yes,and forever.

These words give me strength to carry on.

Jake and I would like to wish each of you a Wonderful

and Blessed New Year.